Beating the Heat: how to manage your health (and your pets) during a heatwave

With temperatures pushing over 40 degrees in many regions of Australia, it's important to keep in mind some ways to look after your health.

Tracey Oakman, director of Public Health for the Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Health districts says while Australians believe they are pretty resilient to heat, every year there is an increase in the amount of people heading to emergency departments suffering from heat stress.

"We're not as tough as we think we are so we need to stay out of the heat the best way we can."

During a heatwave, Ms Oakman suggests staying inside away between 11am and 5pm and under the air conditioner if you have one.

"If you don't have an air conditioner you can go to a shopping centre or a library where you can cool down in the hottest part of the day."

Clothing is also important. Cotton and natural fibres that breathe are better than the synthetic fibres says Ms Oakman.

"There are also some people that are at higher risk over these next few days; the elderly, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions" adds Ms Oakman.

She suggests if you know an elderly person living alone, its best to call them at least once a day during a heatwave to check they are ok.

Parents are also encouraged to get their children to drink plenty of water, especially when they are playing and running around.

Tracey Oakman says that drinking lots of water is important for everyone, and it's best to avoid alcohol.

"If you stop sweating you need to seek urgent medical attention, because heat stress can lead to significant problems very quickly" concludes Ms Oakman.

Keeping man's best friend cool too

Looking out for your pets during a heatwave is just as important as caring for your family.

Vet Lou Beck says particularly when it comes to man's best friend the best way to protect your dog on a hot sunny day is to dress him up with cool bandanas, by wetting the bandanna and putting it around his neck.

You can also keep your dog cool by pouring some water on his belly, chest, and paws. Portable, shallow splash pools can also provide a nice relief from the heat.

You can also time when to take the dog for a walk, Ms Beck suggests avoid going between 10am and 4pm which is the hottest period of the day.

If you do go out it's important to avoid taking your dog on sidewalks, paved roads, rocky areas and beach sand as these surfaces heat quickly and can burn sensitive paws.

Lou Beck says if your dog is an outdoor pet, ensure you have plenty of covered, shady places for him to rest.

"If the dog's demeanour has changed, if they look a bit strange, if they can't engage with you at all, if they can't stop panting when you've rested them, then you need to get them into water," says Ms Beck.

"Hold their bodies in cold water and if you feel after 10 minutes that's not starting to kick in, then get them into the vet clinic."